RE-VISIT : LAFINKA - A self-funded social works programme

*This article was written back in March 2010 but seeing as LaFinKa are still doing what they do, the weather outside is still cold and still the hungry go without food, we thought it highly relevant to re-post the article. This time with an added video we scooped off the web which gives you a little more insight into what they do exactly.Viva LaFinKa!

A Quote: People often say that if you want something done right, the best thing to do is to set a good example, and it’s in times like these that examples like LaFinKa ought to be studied and replicated by surrounding governing bodies. Politicians take notes.

ENGLISH

An explanation: LaFinKa is a self-funded social works program (not government funded). Over the past years projects like this one have been diminishing after changes to funding for organizations helping the homeless forced many charities to close down. Unemployment is on the rise, lack of money is on the rise, so homelessness will rise.

What LaFinKa does: Each week, with funds raised, LaFinKa helps to feed and clothe the homeless on the streets of Barcelona. They offer their roof as a means for shelter, their walls as a means for warmth and comfort and their knowledge as a means for rehabilitation and recovery. Listening is the first step, but education is viewed as a vital foothold in the climb towards stability, so, when ready, individuals who choose to take a helping hand are encouraged to take part in the workshops on offer, such as language courses, illustration, music and dance, to name but a few.

LaFinKa’s words: ‘It is our belief that as an individual everyone in society has the duty to help others and loudly speak on their behalf. The “pass the bucket” mentality and self imposed ignorance of the suffering of others will bring collateral consequences to our own wellbeing’. ‘We believe in the power of listening to people and trying to help them that way. By not prejudging and respecting everyone, we attain the trust of the ones we try to help. Most of our members (me included) have faced adverse circumstances in life, including homelessness, and that life experience and ability to relate to the people you are trying to reach is what differentiates us from others that do what we do’.